Phrases & Expressions

Something you buy without seeing it or knowing what it is like.

• Don't buy a pig in a poke.
• It turned out to be a pig in a poke.

Of an aircraft, having started to move away from its parking position for departure.

• We were off blocks at ten past nine and airborne twenty minutes later.
• The flight was off blocks five minutes late because of a missing passenger.

To live in a basic or uncomfortable way, without luxuries.

• They had to rough it during their backpacking trip.
• He doesn't mind roughing it in the wilderness.

To refuse to listen to or pay attention to something.

• He turned a deaf ear to all the advice he received.
• She turned a deaf ear to his complaints.

A pointless or hopeless pursuit; a futile search for something unattainable.

• It turned out to be a wild goose chase.
• Looking for that lost key was a wild goose chase.

Small chocolates placed on a guest's pillow, often as a nightly turndown service amenity.

• We were delighted to find chocolates on pillow.
• The chocolates on pillow are a nice touch.

A restaurant table set or reserved for two people.

• He booked a table for two at his favorite restaurant.
• We'd like a table for two, please.

To pick up or respond to a ringing telephone.

• She rushed to answer the phone before it stopped ringing.
• He didn't answer the phone during the meeting.

To request the check at a restaurant when you are ready to pay.

• He asked for the bill at the end of the meal.
• Could you ask for the bill, please?

To make a cake by cooking it in an oven.

• She baked a cake for her friend's birthday.
• They baked a cake together on Sunday afternoon.